Quebec convenience store chain tests 'Mosquito' to get teen loiterers to buzz off
Couche-Tard tries out noise device as Montreal council considers banning it
Quebec's most popular chain of convenience stores is testing out a device that sends out high-frequency sound waves to keep young loiterers away from some of its stores, CBC News has learned.
The move comes as the City of Montreal is being asked to bring in a city-wide ban against the device, known commercially as the Mosquito.
'We are in a testing period with the Mosquito device.' — Denise Deveau, Couche-Tard spokesperson
The device emits an irritating, high-pitched tone that most people over the age of 25 can't hear.
Couche-Tard is testing the device at a store in Laval.
Company spokesperson Denise Deveau would confirm only a few details about Couche-Tard's experiment.
"We are in a testing period with the Mosquito device," said Deveau. "We will test it during the spring and summer, and only then will we be able to make an assessment.
"We do not really wish to publicize which of our sites have the device."
Quebec Human and Youth Rights Commission believes the Mosquito violates at least four rights in the Quebec Charter of Rights, among them the right to peaceful assembly and security of the person.
A youth centre in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough has already successfully lobbied the City of Montreal not to install the Mosquito on city property.
On Monday night, officials from the youth centre will be back before city council asking for an island-wide bylaw banning the device.
Mosquito used in other Canadian cities, Europe
The company that markets and sells the Mosquito insists the device is safe and effective.
The Mosquito costs about $1,000, with a smaller version available for $550.
Mosquito Group.com president Mike Gibson said his company has sold about 600 in Canada, including in Vancouver where they have been installed in public spaces with vandalism problems.
"Since they installed the Mosquito over a year ago, they've had practically no incidents," said Gibson.
The Mosquito was developed in Britain and has been in use for several years in Europe.